Everton transfer chief Steve Walsh has identified Fiorentina forward Nikola Kalinic as a prime target but the club have been put off by his £30million pricetag, according to a report.

Sky Sports Italy journalist and transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio claimed on Sunday that the Toffees had tabled an offer of between £17.3million and £21.6million for the Croatia international.

It is said that the Italian club have rejected the offer as they are holding out for a far higher fee for the attacking spearhead.

The Daily Mail claim new Everton sporting director Walsh was a big fan of Kalinic while at Leicester and remains keen on bringing him to the Premier League, but the £30million fee is too high for them to consider.

The Serie A forward has breathed life back into his career following a mixed stay at Blackburn, where he managed just 13 goals in 53 league and cup encounters.

The 28-year-old rediscovered his goalscoring touch with Ukrainian side Dnipro, where he found the back of the net 49 times before joining Fiorentina, scoring 13 times last season in 29 starts.

The former Hajduk Split striker has three years remaining on his current deal, and Fiorentina are not looking to sell him.

Following the arrival of Yannick Bolasie Toffees manager Ronald Koeman is looking to bring another attacker to Goodison Park to give Romelu Lukaku competition, with flop Oumar Niasse placed on the transfer list.

Everton have made four signings this summer, with goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, Swansea skipper Ashley Williams and Aston Villa’s tireless midfielder Idrissa Gueye all being welcomed through the Goodison Park gates.